© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says George Russell will be a team player, but “that doesn’t mean he has to hold back when driving”.
George Russell will join Mercedes in 2022 as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate. Many are speculating that an ambitious and skilful young driver like George might clash with Lewis, as they will both go into the season wanting to become world champions.
Toto Wolff says he doesn’t expect there to be issues, but he doesn’t expect Russell to back away either.
“George Russell is another intelligent young man,” the Austrian told the Daily Mail.
“He will slot into the team, but that doesn’t mean he has to hold back when driving. You can’t expect a lion in the car and a puppy out of it.
“But there are certain boundaries within the team that must be respected and George knows them very well. Once the lights are green, only the drivers are responsible.
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“I can’t interfere, manage or remote control them, but one thing is of ultimate importance — don’t touch. That’s your responsibility. You can race hard, but no contact.”
“I’ve been there before with Nico when it wasn’t just a rivalry. There was a lot of animosity and that’s not going to happen.
“This is about showing respect for each other and it can be hard because if you race on the same spot on the race track you will eventually come across each other.
“But there is an integrity we expect that no one is ever bigger than the team. The drivers know that. You represent 2,000 people who work for us and 350,000 people who work for Mercedes.
“So again, you are the solar system and the Mercedes star — that’s the sun,” concluded Mercedes’ team boss.
